Using Walking Poles at Mount Kinabalu

I'm sure this question might pop up in mind of some Mount Kinabalu prospect climber; "is it advisable / suitable to use / carry walking poles to climb Mount Kinabalu?". Especially for Malaysian climbers / hiker who normally hiking on rainforest trail through shrub and vine when crawling mean hiking sometime.. to carry walking pole would be burden than assistance..

My suggestion is mix in both yes and no... Yes it is advisable for you to use walking pole up to Laban Rata, because up to Laban Rata the trail is properly maintained with clear step and stairs. There will be not much obstacle for you and your walking poles, for every step sure you will have a clear place to point your walking pole but for second stage of climbing from Laban Rata to the peak ; I would advise you leave it at your cabin. This is because from Laban Rata to the peak you will hiking mostly on slippery granite trail, and at some point before Sayat sayat hut, you will have hike through quite narrow pass and deep cliff on your right. At that time you will need your hand on the rope, or else you will endanger your own life. In case you insist to  use your walking pole at this part, please remove rubber cap on the pole end to show its pointing metal end, so that it will be more grip to the slippery granite.

My Walking Poles





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